Bandai Namco Posts Stop Asian Hate Message Condemning Anti-Asian Rhetoric And Violence

Prior to a deadly shooting in Atlanta, Georgia that left eight people dead, six of which were women of Asian descent, the Tokyo-based video game studio Bandai Namco Entertainment has published a statement condemning the recent rise in anti-Asian rhetoric and violence.

The studio took to Twitter to deliver the castigation, saying it "remains committed to the ideals of inclusion, diversity, and fairness; while condemning all acts of violence, bullying, discrimination, and xenophobia." Bandai Namco noted that the burgeoning anti-Asian hate "truly hit home" for its employees. The studio is asking for fans to support the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community by checking out various resources, donating to campaigns and signing petitions, and reporting incidents of anti-Asian violence of any kind.

Xbox head Phil Spencer echoed Bandai Namco's vilification. He said "hate has no home on Xbox," letting Asian players know Xbox sees them, hears them, and "will and must do more together to stop Asian hate."

According to research from the Stop AAPI Hate forum, almost 3,800 incidents of violence against Asian Americans were reported between March 2020 to February 2021. The report also found that more women than men--68% as opposed to 29%--experienced targeted hate, with 44% of cases happening in California and 42% of people being of Chinese descent.

You can read Bandai Namco's message below:

Bandai Namco Entertainment America remains committed to the ideals of inclusion, diversity, and fairness; while condemning all acts of violence, bullying, discrimination, and xenophobia.

We stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, our culturally diverse and inclusive team of employees, players and fans from all cultures and backgrounds, our families, and especially our elders, to speak out and raise awareness against the terrible rise in anti-Asian aggression and hate crimes. #StopAsianHate.